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Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Cardigan Welsh Corgi a masterpiece of the breeder's art, perfectly suited to moving cattle and so congenial and sweet-faced it would be a cherished companion even if it never worked.
The quickest way to tell a Cardigan Welsh Corgi from its Pembroke cousin is the hindquarters: Cardigans have tails and Pembrokes do not.
Temperament
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are trainable, faithful and vigilant guardians. The Cardigan is a very adaptable dog: all for hikes and adventures or equally happy to watch TV and share the popcorn.
Cardigans thrive on regular socialization, so neighborhood walks matter. Early and regular socialization is of the utmost importance in raising a happy, healthy one.
Lifespan
Cardigans live 12 to 15 years. The breed is very healthy in general. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and degenerative myelopathy.
As with any long and low dog, owners must watch for back issues: avoid letting a Cardigan jump down off the bed or couch, since stairs can also be a hazard. At the first sign of distress or discomfort, see the vet right away.
Care
A good brushing at least once a week keeps the Cardigan's coat healthy. Trimming the hair on the bottoms of the feet reduces the dirt the dog brings into the house and nails should be kept trimmed too.
Powerful workers of deceptive speed and grace, Cardigan Welsh Corgis weigh 25 to 34 pounds and come in several coat colors from red to blue-merle.
History
The handsome but hard-as-nails Cardigan was named for the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire in Wales and is the older of the AKC's two corgi breeds, among the oldest of all British breeds. The word corgi, originally kergie, is ancient Celtic for dog.
Historians surmise that the Celts brought ancient corgis from Central Europe to Wales some 3,000 years ago and corgis were driving Welsh herds 1,000 years ago. Cardigans are built low to the ground to nip at the heels of cattle.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 4 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 5 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |